The Black Death didn't just wipe out millions of Europeans during the 14th century. It also changed the human genome. In fact, the evolution of our genome in the face of the Black Death could explain why Europeans respond differently to some diseases and why they have different susceptibilities to autoimmune disorders.

Complications during labor and birth have been associated with higher rates of autism. Now, a mouse study reveals that a popular blood pressure drug can reduce the stress of being born—and curb symptoms of autism.

A dangerous new strain of bird flu that emerged in South Korea on 17 January has spread nationwide despite efforts to clamp down on the virus. Authorities have culled 2.8 million domestic chickens and ducks since the outbreak began. As yet, there are no reports of human infections.

The first line of defense for mental illnesses like schizophrenia is usually antipsychotic drugs, many of which have serious side effects. Now, a new study concludes that for patients who can't or won't take medication, psychological approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy could work as an alternative treatment.

Beaked whales are some of the world's most mysterious creatures. Now, after running DNA tests on a gift of dried whale meat given to a scientist visiting islands in the Pacific, researchers have confirmed that there's a whole new species of beaked whale living in our oceans—and there may be others out there.

How an electron interacts with other matter depends on which way it's spinning as it zips along—to the right like a football thrown by a right-handed quarterback or the left like a pigskin thrown by a lefty. Now, physicists have confirmed that quarks exhibit the same asymmetry. The result could give physics a new weapon in the grand hunt for new particles and forces.